Health authorities scramble as deadly mosquito-borne virus spreads further
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Mosquito-borne diseases are an ongoing concern in Australia, with health authorities constantly monitoring for new outbreaks.
A recent development has put communities on alert, as officials scramble to assess the risks and implement protective measures.
What follows is a closer look at the situation, the affected areas, and what residents need to know to stay safe.
A second case of Japanese encephalitis was detected in a resident of northern Victoria, prompting a fresh health alert.
Health officials believed the individual was exposed to the virus in the Riverina region of New South Wales, near the Murray River.
Additional cases had also been identified in New South Wales and Queensland in recent weeks.
Japanese encephalitis had a fatality rate of about 25 per cent.
Authorities warned that residents and travellers in northern Victoria and inland riverine regions of eastern Australia faced an increased risk of infection.
People were urged to take precautions against mosquito bites to reduce their chances of contracting the virus.
Chief Health Officer Dr Tarun Weeramanthri stated that environmental surveillance had detected the virus along a significant stretch of the Murray River in Victoria, from Mildura to Moira.
‘Avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin. Wear long, loose-fitting clothing when outside, and ensure accommodation, including tents, are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens,’ he said.
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine was available at no cost for eligible individuals in 24 high-risk local government areas in northern Victoria.
Murray Valley encephalitis, another mosquito-borne virus, was also present in the region.
Campers and travellers in affected areas were advised to check that mosquito screens were secure, keep doors and tent flaps closed, and avoid setting up near wetlands.
There was no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis, with prevention being the most effective strategy.
Symptoms typically appear between five and 15 days after a mosquito bite and can include fever, headache, and vomiting.
For those who developed severe illness, treatment focused on managing symptoms and could require hospitalisation.
Understanding how Japanese encephalitis spreads is crucial in preventing infection, especially as cases continue to rise.
Watch this explainer to learn more about the virus and how to stay protected.
With mosquito-borne diseases on the rise, are you taking extra precautions this summer?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A recent development has put communities on alert, as officials scramble to assess the risks and implement protective measures.
What follows is a closer look at the situation, the affected areas, and what residents need to know to stay safe.
A second case of Japanese encephalitis was detected in a resident of northern Victoria, prompting a fresh health alert.
Health officials believed the individual was exposed to the virus in the Riverina region of New South Wales, near the Murray River.
Additional cases had also been identified in New South Wales and Queensland in recent weeks.
Japanese encephalitis had a fatality rate of about 25 per cent.
Authorities warned that residents and travellers in northern Victoria and inland riverine regions of eastern Australia faced an increased risk of infection.
People were urged to take precautions against mosquito bites to reduce their chances of contracting the virus.
Chief Health Officer Dr Tarun Weeramanthri stated that environmental surveillance had detected the virus along a significant stretch of the Murray River in Victoria, from Mildura to Moira.
‘Avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin. Wear long, loose-fitting clothing when outside, and ensure accommodation, including tents, are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens,’ he said.
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine was available at no cost for eligible individuals in 24 high-risk local government areas in northern Victoria.
Murray Valley encephalitis, another mosquito-borne virus, was also present in the region.
Campers and travellers in affected areas were advised to check that mosquito screens were secure, keep doors and tent flaps closed, and avoid setting up near wetlands.
There was no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis, with prevention being the most effective strategy.
Symptoms typically appear between five and 15 days after a mosquito bite and can include fever, headache, and vomiting.
For those who developed severe illness, treatment focused on managing symptoms and could require hospitalisation.
Understanding how Japanese encephalitis spreads is crucial in preventing infection, especially as cases continue to rise.
Watch this explainer to learn more about the virus and how to stay protected.
With mosquito-borne diseases on the rise, are you taking extra precautions this summer?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
